Lionel Hampton, born on April 20, 1908, in Louisville, Kentucky, was a titan of jazz music, renowned for his work as a bandleader, pianist, vibraphonist, and drummer. Hampton broke new ground in the jazz world, particularly with the vibraphone, which he introduced as a new jazz instrument. His career, spanning several decades, began in earnest in the late 1920s when he moved to Los Angeles. There, he played with the likes of Louis Armstrong, who helped him propel the vibraphone into the jazz ensemble.

Hampton’s work in the 1930s and 40s with his own big band became part of the bedrock of the swing era. His recordings with his band were characterized by energetic performances and intricate arrangements. By the mid-1940s, the Lionel Hampton Orchestra had become a launchpad for future jazz stars, including Quincy Jones, Clifford Brown, and Dinah Washington. Beyond his collaborative efforts, Hampton was equally renowned for his solo work and for pioneering the use of the vibraphone as a solo instrument in jazz. His relentless touring and recording made him not only a figure synonymous with swing and big band jazz but also an ambassador for the genre around the world. Hampton's legacy includes a deep discography that showcases his virtuosity and innovative style, including notable releases such as "The Complete Victor Lionel Hampton Sessions" series and the historically significant live recordings like "Lionel Hampton Live at the Metropole Cafe." Lionel Hampton’s continuous evolution as a musician kept him relevant to every new generation until his passing on August 31, 2002, while his immeasurable contributions to jazz have enshrined him as a legendary figure whose influence has endured far beyond his lifetime.

Genres

Bebop

Big Band

Dixieland

Jazz

Stride

Swing

Tin Pan Alley

Vintage Jazz

Related Artists

Benny Goodman

Count Basie

Duke Ellington

Louis Armstrong

Dizzy Gillespie

Artie Shaw

Art Blakey

Cab Calloway

Chick Webb

Ella Fitzgerald

Bill Evans

James Brown

Latest Release

Lionel Hampton All Stars Live Sweden September 1953 (Restauración 2024)

Lionel Hampton

Album - 8 Tracks - Released March 8, 2024